Gabby Traxler
From pro road racing to elite gravel comps, Gabby Traxler has built a career defined by resilience and endurance. Now competing at events like The Traka, she continues to succeed....
“I am always searching for an edge over my competition, and I strongly believe that dietary nitrates are one of the most evidence-based supplements that you can take.”
Gabby Traxler, Gravel Rider
01
How did you first get into cycling, and what drew you specifically to gravel racing?
I first got into cycling through my dad. Before that, I competed in soccer at a high level, ran both cross country and track and field, and participated in Nordic combined (ski jumping/cross-country skiing). I started riding more with my dad on the weekends and quickly fell in love with the sport, and shortly after, I joined the youth cycling club in my hometown of Calgary. I began racing at the age of 15, and now, at 27, I have never looked back. I raced professionally on the road until 2023, when I was hit by a car while training and ultimately decided to switch to gravel racing. I was nervous about making this change at first, but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I love gravel racing for the adventure, the endurance, and both the physical and mental challenges it brings. I have never had to push my mind and body so hard as I do in gravel racing.
02
What has been your proudest achievement so far in your gravel career?
In gravel racing, my proudest moment was not a specific result, it was recognizing the mental strength I never knew I had. In my first Unbound race in 2024, my Di2 battery died (although it had been checked multiple times). I found myself in a single speed for over three hours until I was able to reach my dad in the feed zone where he could switch the battery. I saw myself going from the top 15 to almost last. However, there was not a moment in my head where I said I was going to stop. No matter what, I was going to make it to the finish line. That day was one of the hardest days on my life, not only as it was my first Unbound but the mental strength it took to get through. I think crossing the finish line that day was the happiest I have ever been to finish a race!
03
You’ve competed in major events like Unbound Gravel and The Traka - what makes those races so demanding, both physically and mentally?
There are many factors that make both Unbound and the Traka both extremely physically and mentally demanding. Firstly, in terms of the mental stress both races take a lot of planning, from logistics of getting to the race, bike set up, and nutrition and race day planning. The week leading up to the event is the most stressful period of the year. With both these races being extremely long there is so much planning that goes into having a successful race day. For example, the weather for the week and on the day of the race will greatly impact my bike set up from the tires I use to the tire pressure. I also have to thoroughly plan out each feed zone; how much nutrition I am taking with me and how much I plan to get at each aid station. I usually plan for these events a couple months out, so I have everything dialled and there is less stress on the weeks leading up to the race. For example, I am currently in Girona right now pre-riding the Traka route, so I am familiar with the most important parts of the course. Next, in terms of the physical stress, these are the two races that really take the most out of me. Both races are exceptionally long, the Traka taking over 7 hours and Unbound talking between 10 and 11 hours. That is a long time on the bike and a lot of nutrition that needs to be planned accordingly to make it through the race. This is where planning correctly is important to make sure you have enough food and especially water to make it to each feed station. Not only is your body under huge physical stress during the race but after the race your body takes some time to recover and feel normal again after such a big effort. After the Traka it normally takes me a few days to recover, while Unbound takes closer to a week to recover. These races take a lot out of you, and it is extremely important to not only pay attention to your bike but also your body, make sure you fuel properly with the weeks leading up, during the race and especially after the race to make sure that you can recover for the rest of the season ahead!
04
What does a typical training block look like in the build-up to a major gravel event?
My coach and I will normally plan a three-week block leading into a big race. During this period, I will do a mix of long rides anywhere from 5-7 hours, specific interval training, and strength work to make sure I am on my best form. I usually do a 3–4-day block of training then a recovery day where I ride between 1-1.5 hours easy as well as work on technical skill training. During these hard training periods I train between 23-30 hours a week on my bike. I do not only focus on riding and training hard, but I will also try to optimize my recovery and nutrition to ensure I do not get sick during these periods, and I am able to push hard each day.
05
Gravel racing often means long hours in the saddle. How do you approach fuelling and pacing for races of that duration?
I use a similar strategy for each race the only difference is the length of races I do. I aim to have 80-90 grams of carbs per hour. This is a mix of gels and high carb mix in my bottles and for longer races I also bring a hydration vest. In terms of pacing for long races, it is difficult sometimes as gravel races tend to start as an all-out effort at the start of the race before settling into the pace. Each race I try to go into it with the goal of making it into the front split. I usually know my limits and try to pace myself accordingly especially for races that are over 7 hours. Pacing is important as you do not want to go too easy, but you also do not want to blow yourself up. Also, it is especially important, to be in a good group that works together. Overall, there are many key factors to consider, but most importantly, you need to know both your limits and the course. This allows you to understand where to push and where you can recover.
06
What’s the biggest lesson endurance sport has taught you so far?
Endurance sport has not only taught me how far I can push my body, but also the strength of my mind. I believe that in long races such as Unbound, it is often your mind that carries you further. When you are in a strong mental state you can push yourself farther than you ever thought you could. Endurance sport pushes you to places you never thought was possible. One of the best feelings for me is crossing the line after a super long and hard race and knowing that I gave everything and reached my absolute limit.
07
How do you manage recovery during heavy training blocks and back-to-back race periods?
Firstly, I use an OURA ring to track my sleep data and other important metrics to make sure I am recovering properly and not showing any signs of sickness. I also pay close attention to eating enough pre, during and post rides and making sure I am getting enough carbs and protein. I spend a lot of time doing pre ride activation and practicing yoga at night as well as incorporating other recovery tools to help speed up recovery. However, the most crucial factor is getting enough sleep. I aim for 8.5-9 hours each night and follow a similar schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to stay in a good routine.
08
What advice would you give to cyclists looking to step up to longer or more competitive gravel races?
I would say to make sure that you are prepared both physically and mentally for a long race. Spending hours on your bike can be incredibly fun or extremely difficult if you are not prepared properly! When I first started gravel, I was constantly researching and asking questions so I could understand how to prepare. There was plenty of trial and error, but it was also the best way to learn. Overtime, I figured out exactly what I needed to do! Gravel racing is an extremely welcoming, fun, and supportive community; my biggest advice would be to ask any and all questions to people who have raced a specific race you are targeting and research on your own to make sure you feel prepared!
09
Describe your ideal training day.
Start off with a nice breakfast and coffee, then a long endurance ride in the Mountains! Or the West Maui Loop in Hawaii- that is on my bucket list!
10
How did you first start using Beet It Sport, and how do you incorporate it into your training and race-day routine?
I started using Beet It Sport as part of my preparation for Unbound in 2024. I wanted to make sure I was prepared as possible for the race and Beet It became an essential part of my routine. I used Beet It 6 days leading up to the event as well as during a heavy training week. I took two Beet It shots per day, one pre ride and one post ride. I also used the Beet It Regen Cherry shots after races as well on hard training days to optimize my recovery.
11
What differences have you noticed in your performance when using Beet, It Sport products during key training sessions or races?
I have noticed that the Beet It has been extremely helpful in longer endurance events. Specifically, during long rides and races I have achieved some of my best numbers and results while supplementing with the Beet It Sports nitrates. While the Cherry Recovery shots have proven to help me back up strong performances day after day.
12
Why would you recommend Beet It Sport to other endurance athletes?
I am always searching for an edge over my competition, and I strongly believe that dietary nitrates are one of the most evidence-based supplements that you can take. I would strongly recommend them, especially for recreational athletes for whom the gains should be even larger.
13
What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?
For the next stage of my career, I want to continue to improve and make it to the top of my sport. I am targeting the Traka, Unbound Gravel and Oregon Gravel Trail this year. I will continue to keep pushing myself each day to reach my goals and have a successful season for 2026 and beyond!
Follow Gabby's inspiring athletic journey!
We are super proud to support Gabby as part of the Beet It Sport ambassador team. Her approach to training, preparation, and race execution reflects the discipline required to perform at the highest level of endurance sport. As she continues to target major gravel events this season, we are excited to follow her inspiring journey. On Instagram, Gabby shares the realities of life as a professional gravel cyclist, from long mountain training days to race-week preparation and recovery. Her content offers an honest look at the mindset and structure behind elite performance. Follow along to see her season unfold.